Migrating from Loom to Cap is a logical step for individuals and teams looking to escape escalating software subscription costs while retaining the core ability to record, share, and collaborate via video messages. Loom charges between $12.50 and $14.99 per user per month for its business tiers, which quickly accumulates into a significant recurring line item for growing teams. In contrast, Cap offers a compelling free and open-source alternative that puts data sovereignty and cost savings front and center without sacrificing the snappy screen recording and instant link-sharing workflows users expect.
Organizations typically make the switch when they want to eliminate per-user software licensing overhead or require a solution that can be self-hosted for strict data privacy compliance. While Loom provides a polished, cloud-locked ecosystem with built-in AI transcription and cloud storage, Cap leverages open-source flexibility, allowing you to run your video workflows with complete independence. Transitioning does require rethinking your video archiving strategy since Loom's proprietary cloud library won't automatically sync over, but the resulting financial freedom and control over your media assets make the migration well worth the effort.
For a 50-person team that's a significant annual saving.
🗺️ Migration Steps
Begin by reviewing your current Loom library to identify critical async video updates, product walkthroughs, and tutorials that your team still actively references. Use Loom's bulk download feature or manually export your essential MP4 files to a secure local folder or cloud repository. This ensures you retain an offline archive before you cancel any active paid Loom subscriptions.
Download and install the Cap desktop application on your macOS or Windows machine, matching the workflow your team previously used with Loom. Configure your default microphone, webcam, and system audio settings within Cap to ensure high-fidelity recording quality from day one. If your organization requires self-hosting, follow the open-source repository documentation to set up your own Cap backend infrastructure.
Since Cap operates on an open-source model rather than a massive proprietary cloud suite, decide where your team will permanently store and share exported MP4 recordings. You can upload migrated Loom files and new Cap recordings to shared cloud drives like Google Drive, Notion, or your own internal server. Update any critical documentation links that previously pointed to Loom URLs so they direct viewers to your new storage locations.
Introduce Cap to a small group of power users or a single engineering or product squad before rolling it out company-wide. Have this pilot group record daily standups, bug reports, and design feedback using Cap instead of Loom. Gather feedback on rendering speeds, hotkey usability, and sharing workflows to smooth out any friction points before the full team transition.
Host a brief training session to familiarize your broader organization with Cap's recording interface and keyboard shortcuts. Update your internal team handbook to mandate Cap for all future async video communications instead of Loom. Share best practices on how to generate and distribute viewing links using your newly established storage infrastructure.
Once all teams have successfully adopted Cap for daily async video creation and your essential Loom archives are safely backed up, initiate the final cutover. Log into your Loom account administrator settings and cancel your subscription to stop future per-user billing charges. Monitor your team's adoption metrics over the next billing cycle to confirm a clean and permanent break.
⚠️ Common Challenges & How to Avoid Them
Download all critical MP4 files from Loom beforehand and re-upload them to your company's internal storage or shared drive, updating any outdated documentation links.
Integrate third-party open-source transcription tools or rely on manual summaries in your shared document notes alongside each Cap video link.
Create a standardized template in Slack or Notion that pairs the Cap video file link with a brief written context and timestamp outline.
🔗 Get Started
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Cap is an open-source alternative that does not charge per-user monthly subscription fees like Loom's Business and Enterprise tiers. You can download and use the application freely, and even self-host if your organization requires complete data control.
No direct automated import tool exists between Loom and Cap due to Loom's closed cloud ecosystem. You must manually or in bulk download your MP4 files from Loom and organize them within your own storage solution.
Cap records high-quality videos locally on your machine, which you can then upload to your existing team cloud storage, messaging platforms like Slack, or a self-hosted server to generate shareable links.
Want a full feature and pricing comparison before you switch?
Read the Full Loom vs Cap Comparison →